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Week 9 predictions

It’s not the best schedule this week for the three WFISD teams in regards to competitive matchups.

Rider should whip Denton pretty good. Denton Guyer should do the same to WFHS. And while Hirschi is playing better of late, I think the Huskies will be in over their heads against Graham.

It’s not just me, either. Pigskinprep.com is predicting the three favorites will each win by at least 40 points.

But fear not, fans of games that have intrigue heading into the fourth quarter. There are four area matchups that not only should be close, but they each have serious playoff implications.

Here are my predictions on how each of the four will turn out:

* Burkburnett at Iowa Park – The fact of the matter is Burkburnett is playing better right now than Iowa Park. The Bulldogs’ offense change to the Wing-T has helped multiple ways: It’s been more effective at ball control, which keeps the defense (which is allowing 46 ppg) off the field. Negative plays like sacks are also limited.

The Bulldogs enter this with more momentum, but I’m picking Iowa Park, which has lost its last seven games. I haven’t seen IP play in person this year, but my gut says the Hawks are due for a win. And due to have a game where turnovers are limited. They had a couple chances in non-district and were in the Hirschi game until the end.

One thing worth mentioning here. This win does IP absolutely no good if it loses to Vernon next week. But did you know Burkburnett has only two INTS this year? Not exactly ball-hawking. I think this one is close late, but I like the Hawks in a fairly high-scoring game.

* Jacksboro at Nocona – Nocona played a great game last week to beat Holliday. One of those emotionally sapping games. And Indians coach Brad Keck has told me it seems like his team plays a little better on the road.

Having said that, I think the Indians win another close game. Jacksboro is playing at a high level and took care of business against the lesser district teams the past three weeks. But the Tigers haven’t been in a fourth-quarter fight since Sept. 28 vs. Lindsay.

I expect this to go down to the wire. I think Nocona will have success running the ball, but I think the Tigers will score some points, too. Nocona by 7 as it takes a district title.

* Pilot Point at Bowie – The Jackrabbits have a couple advantages here. First, they are at home. Second, they are coming off a bye while Pilot Point is playing its 10th straight game. And third, the Jackrabbits are getting practically everybody back that they had out in a loss two weeks ago against Whitesboro.

When it comes down to a toss-up game, I like to side with the better defense. And Bowie’s is better. Whitesboro was the only team to score more than 22 on Bowie this year, and that was a game where the Jackrabbits had their entire DL out. Pilot Point just gave up 46 to Whitesboro. Bowie could lose, but I the Jackrabbits’ postseason chances to stay alive in one of those 21-14 games Bowie has been good at winning this year.

* Electra at Perrin-Whitt – I really didn’t think Electra’s spot as the third-best team in 8-A Division II was in danger until the last couple weeks.

Sure, the Tigers lost badly to Seymour (61-7). And sure they opened district with a real clunker against Muenster (58-0). But then two weeks ago, Era was beating Electra at halftime and Perrin-Whitt had a more respectable score against Muenster. Then last week, Electra was losing late in the second quarter to Petrolia. I also noticed Michael Bishop had 0 yards rushing in that game on 21 attempts.

To Electra’s credit, the Tigers have played solid second halves to pull away from both Era and Petrolia. And I’m going to pick them because I’ve been saying all year Electra is a playoff team. Might as well stand behind it now. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Perrin-Whitt, which is pretty physical up front, comes out with a win.